Starter motor just clicks!

[russm]

Hi All, just taken the bike out of the garage for a spring clean and it won't start. It's been left trickle charging on the actimate which is showing all good. When I switch on I get all the ancillary stuff, lights, indicators, horn etc but when I flick the start switch I just get a click from the starter motor and that's it! It's a 2015 TE. Any advice please? pS Its been in the garage since sept.

 

[Teamin]

Check for a loose connection with the battery.
Failing that, it still sounds like the battery.

 

[leadfarmer]

First thing to check is that your battery connections are not loose

Then, if the starter relay is clicking, next check that the “bendix” isn’t stuck on the starter motor, thumb the starter button and (gently) hit the front of the starter motor with a small hammer

 

[wessie]

First thing to check is that your battery connections are not loose

Then, if the starter relay is clicking, next check that the “bendix” isn’t stuck on the starter motor, thumb the starter button and (gently) hit the front of the starter motor with a small hammer

actually the second thing to do is connect a jump start pack or battery from another vehicle. It very much sounds like the battery has volts but not enough amps. Classic symptoms of a borked battery. If the battery is the original then 7 years is a good innings.

 

[leadfarmer]

actually the second thing to do is connect a jump start pack or battery from another vehicle. It very much sounds like the battery has volts but not enough amps. Classic symptoms of a borked battery. If the battery is the original then 7 years is a good innings.

Fair comment

 

[digby]

I had this a few weeks ago - a new battery solved it

 

[russm]

So it's likely the battery is past it. Any suggestions for a replacement or shall I stick with a direct replacement?

 

[wessie]

this company is great - several options https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/f/bmw/r1200gs-successor-09-present/ from around £30 delivered.

I like Exide batteries which is mid-priced in that selection.

 

[leadfarmer]

this company is great - several options https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/f/bmw/r1200gs-successor-09-present/ from around £30 delivered.

I like Exide batteries which is mid-priced in that selection.

I think the OEM is Exide from memory

 

[wessie]

I think the OEM is Exide from memory

often Exide, yes, although there was no branding on my S1000XR battery, just a label saying made in Brazil and the BMW part no.

I think OEM batteries are like tyres, buy from wherever they are cheapest as they are almost always a generic size.

 

[russm]

Thanks for all of your help here. New battery turned up Thursday perfect fit. Charged overnight and did a 200mile ride out today. Great and lots of fresh air with a fantastic breakfast at rye harbour!